The Miami Dolphins are entering an offseason filled with tough financial decisions ahead of them, particularly as they look to make room under the salary cap. With an extensive list of 24 impending free agents, the Dolphins will inevitably need to strategically manage their roster through re-signings, restructurings, and possible releases. While most players seem like straightforward one-year renewals, the real challenge lies in identifying where significant savings can be found.
A recent analysis by OverTheCap.com sheds some light on which Dolphins players might be on the chopping block, with a surprising twist. While some might expect offensive tackle Terron Armstead to be a likely candidate for a post-June 1 cut, his name is notably absent from their list. Instead, two unexpected veterans surface as potential cap casualties: cornerback Kendall Fuller and kicker Jason Sanders.
Fuller’s situation is a bit of a head-scratcher. He’s due to count $8.7 million against Miami’s cap, but releasing him would only free up $2.7 million, leaving a hefty $5.4 million in dead money.
Despite not being a standout corner in 2024, Fuller effectively held his own opposite Jalen Ramsey. Miami’s depth at cornerback also raises questions about such a move, as the team still hopes for development from younger players like Storm Duck.
Second-round pick Cam Smith’s potential remains untapped thus far, leaving the cornerback position a possible concern if Fuller were to be released.
Jason Sanders stands out as another surprising mention. Despite the financial savings involved—$3.3 million cleared against a $1.3 million dead money hit—Sanders had an impressive season in 2024, earning the AFC Special Teams Player of the Month award twice. This makes his consideration for release more intriguing, highlighting the fine balance teams must strike between financial decisions and performance retention.
Given Sanders’ recent success, a more feasible outcome might be a contract restructure, pushing more money into 2026 to keep him on the roster. This approach would align with the Dolphins’ need to navigate the cap while preserving the strengths that contributed to their special teams’ success.
As the Dolphins navigate these roster decisions, the offseason promises to be a critical period for aligning their cap management with on-field competitiveness. It will be fascinating to see how these potential moves unfold and shape Miami’s strategy for the upcoming season.
